After a transporter approached them with a complaint, they managed to reel the four accused in. They accused have been charged under sections 387 and 384 of the Indian Penal Court. Initially, the police set up a trap after receiving a mail from an anonymous sender highlighting the illegal practice being carried out by unknown persons in the MIDC Hinjewadi area. As no formal complaint had been made in this regard, the police personnel were unable to act initially.

“We sent in a team posing as material carriers, but they were unable to catch the suspects red-handed. Then one Dipak Sharma approached us complaining that labourers were overcharging to unload some material. We then initiated an investigation,” said S Solunke, additional commissioner of police.

“When Sharma arrived in the city on February 6 this year carrying furniture belonging of an officer, the four accused demanded Rs 45,000 for unloading, but managed to settle for Rs 36,000, and asked for a receipt. We were able to go ahead with the investigation after we were in possession of the receipt,” Sawant said.

Anti-extortion cell sleuths have also urged others to come forward and register cases if they have faced a similar situation.